By Faridat Salifu
Nasarawa State has strengthened sub-national diplomacy with Angola following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengo Province, covering key sectors including agriculture and education.
The agreement was signed recently in Lafia, the state capital, by Governor Abdullahi Sule and Governor of Bengo Province, Dr Maria Antónia Nelumba, marking a new phase of bilateral cooperation aimed at leveraging comparative advantages to drive socio-economic development in both regions.
Governor Sule explained that the MoU followed extensive engagements by technical teams from both sides, which identified shared challenges and opportunities, particularly given their proximity to national capitals — Abuja and Luanda.
“We identified common challenges and opportunities arising from our proximity to the capital cities. Based on our comparative advantages in areas such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas, education, and health, we agreed to begin cooperation in selected priority sectors,” Sule said.
He added that while Bengo Province has demonstrated strong capacity in certain agricultural areas, Nasarawa also brings complementary strengths, opening avenues for knowledge exchange, joint investment, and capacity building.
Sule also highlighted plans to establish a One-Stop Investment Hub for Angolan investors seeking opportunities in Nasarawa State, noting that the initiative would simplify entry, coordination, and project implementation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Maria Antónia Nelumba described the agreement as a historic milestone, reflecting growing solidarity and partnership between Nigeria and Angola.
“The signing of this agreement goes beyond formal cooperation. It symbolises fraternity between our peoples and our shared determination to advance economic, environmental, and social development,” she said, adding that structured collaboration would enable both regions to move forward together on shared development goals.
Following the MoU signing, Governors Sule and Nelumba jointly inaugurated the One-Stop Investment House at the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA) in Lafia, alongside the Multi-Door Court.
